WINCHESTER civic chiefs have approved plans to fell a tree in the city despite half a dozen objections from nearby residents.

Councillors approved applicant Greg Joslin’s plans to fell a cedar in Dean Lane although the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The tree is located to the rear of the new site – which received permission to replace the existing building with a four-bedroom home and two three-bedroom homes, with parking and landscaping.

Six letters of objection were received raising issue with the ward’s neighbour design statement which states any replacement trees should be native to the area and that the tree was not in decline or unhealthy.